I turn around to see who he's talking to, and my jaw drops. Standing in front of me is none other than Ares. It's like time has stopped. Everything around me fades to black until it's just me and Ares. My heart starts pounding, and my palms are sweaty.

Ares looks absolutely incredible in a tailored suit. His hair is styled, and his beard is trimmed. He is the epitome of power and sexiness.

"Hello, Mr. Bradshaw," Beth says, smiling at him. She goes to shake his hand, but he brings it up to kiss it. I swear Beth's whole body flushes.

"And you must be Emma," Ares says, turning his attention to me. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh, uh, yeah," I stammer, my voice catching. I don't know why he's pretending we don't know each other, but I play along.

Ares gives me a crooked smile and offers his hand. I reach out and shake it, but he surprises me by bringing it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the back.

My cheeks flush, and I have to remind myself to breathe.

"I'm glad to finally meet you," Ares says, his eyes burning into mine.

"Likewise," I manage, my throat dry. I still can't believe Ares is here, and that he's the guest of honor. Does that mean he's buying into the company?

"So, are you enjoying the party?" Beth asks, breaking the tension between us.

"Yes, it's a lovely event," Ares replies.

"Thank you. We try to make it a fun night for everyone," Beth smiles. "I'm sure you'll be a great addition to the team."

"I hope so. I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far," Ares says, his eyes not leaving mine. "I wasn't sure about buying-in before, but now I know I have to."

"That's wonderful. I'm so happy to hear that," Beth says, beaming.

I'm still reeling from the shock of seeing Ares, and I'm having a hard time focusing on the conversation.

"Well, I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure you have plenty of other guests to speak with," Beth says, excusing herself.

Shane follows, leaving me alone with Ares.

"You look stunning," Ares says, his gaze raking over my body.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, my brain finally catching up.

"I think this whole get-together," he starts, gesturing around the room, "was meant for me, the guest of honor."

I resist the urge to smack at him. He knows exactly what I mean and he's purposely avoiding answering. I just stare at him, waiting for the actual answer.

He sighs. "I tried to go back home. I tried to live my life the way I was before you, but it was impossible. There is no going back to my life before you because you've completely changed it. And not just my life, but me. I realized I wasn't happy, not truly, not without you."

I cross my arms, trying to keep my composure and not get swept away by his words. "So, you decided to just show up here? Out of the blue?"

Ares steps closer, his intensity unmistakable. "Not exactly out of the blue. I tried texting you. I'm planning on buying a large share of Clever Corp. I wanted to be closer to you, and this seemed like a logical step." He looks almost sheepish now.

"Logical? That's crazy, Ares!" Despite my words, a part of me is fluttering, touched by the grand gesture.

"Maybe," he admits, "but I've never been known for small gestures. Look, I'm moving here, to the East Coast. For good. If you still want me, if you're willing to give us a chance, I want to be with you. No more distance. No more 'what ifs.'"

I'm speechless, my heart racing. This is every romantic comedy's grand gesture, and it's happening to me. I try to gather my thoughts, to say something coherent, but all I can manage is, "You're moving here? For me?"

"Yes, for you," he confirms, taking another step forward. Before he can say anything else, a group of men surround us all vying for Ares's attention, oblivious to the moment.

"Excuse me, Emma," he says.

"Yeah, yeah. Of course," I say, stepping back and letting him go. I down the rest of my drink before heading to the bathroom. I need a quiet moment to myself to process everything.

The bathroom is empty, thank god. I step in, and I lock the door behind me.

Ares is here. Here!

Ares is moving to the East Coast, for me.

I can't help but feel overwhelmed. This is all so sudden. I was just getting used to not being with him, and now he's here, basically professing his love for me.

I know I love him. There's no denying it. But is it enough? Can we really make this work?

There's a knock on the door, interrupting my thoughts.

"Just a minute," I call, taking a deep breath.

"Emma, it's me. Open the door," Ares's hushed whisper comes through the door.

As soon as it's cracked, Ares is pushing himself in, closing and locking the door behind him. He prowls over to me, caging me in against the wall. His body is pressed up against mine, his hot breath tickling my ear.

"Did you mean it?" I ask, not wanting to believe that this is real.

"Every word. I love you, Emma," he breathes, his lips trailing down the side of my neck.

"I love you, too," I confess, tilting my head to the side, giving him better access.

"God, I've missed you," he growls, his hands roaming my body.

"Me too. I've thought about you every day," I moan, grinding my hips against his.

His mouth is on mine, devouring me, claiming me. His tongue tangles with mine, and he groans, a deep, primal sound.

"Fuck, babygirl," he groans, resting his forehead against mine.

For what feels like forever, we just stare at each other, our breaths mingling, our bodies pressed together.

Finally, Ares speaks. "You never texted me back." His words are soft, filled with hurt. The look that washes over his face is pained.

I feel guilty. I should've responded. I should've told him how I was feeling. Instead, I ignored him, pushed him away.

"I'm sorry," I whisper. "It was just easier for me that way. To cut ties. To let you go."

Ares is quiet for a moment. He studies my face, his gaze searching mine. "But you didn't. Let me go, that is."

"No, I didn't," I admit, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Even though I wanted to, I couldn't."

Ares lets out a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing. "Thank god," he whispers.

He kisses me again, his hands roaming over my body. His touch is possessive, hungry, and it makes my blood heat.

"We shouldn't be doing this here," I murmur, my body betraying me.

"We shouldn't," Ares agrees, his lips moving to my neck.

"Someone might hear," I protest, my eyes fluttering closed.

"Let them," Ares growls, his teeth scraping against my sensitive skin. His hand slides up the slit of my dress until he finds my underwear.

"Oh, god," I moan, arching into his touch.

"So fucking wet for me, aren't you, babygirl?"

"Always," I pant, my hands grasping at his shirt.

Ares slips my panties aside and dips a finger inside me. "Fuck, yes. That's my good girl. So tight and wet."

He hasn't been gone long, but I almost forgot what his touch felt like. Every part where he touches me feels like I'm on fire. Like my nerve endings are charged and electrified.

"Don't stop," I plead, my hips grinding against his hand.

"Never," he promises, adding a second finger.

I can feel my orgasm building already, my legs starting to tremble. It's a good thing Ares has a good grip on me, or I might be in the floor.

"I'm so close," I whimper, my body tensing.

"That's it, babygirl. Come for me," Ares coaxes, his fingers moving faster.

And then I feel it. The start of my orgasm low in my belly. It's like a coil that's tightly wound, and it releases, sending pleasure throughout my body.

"Oh, god," I cry, my fingers digging into Ares's shoulders.

"Shh, baby. Gotta stay quiet," he reminds me.

"I'm sorry. I can't help it," I pant, trying to catch my breath.

"Good girl," Ares praises, withdrawing his fingers.

He brings them to his mouth, sucking my juices off. I watch, mesmerized. I'm always fascinated by how much Ares enjoys the taste of me.

"We should probably get back out there," I say, even though it's the last thing I want to do.

"I guess," Ares sighs, not looking too happy about it. "I have a few more people to meet with."

"Right," I say, remembering that he's the guest of honor.

Ares straightens his suit and opens the door. "Can I see you after this? I can't go to your mom's house, but I'm staying here, at this hotel. You could come to my room. If you want."

"Actually, I'm not living there anymore," I tell him. "I have my own place now."

"Really? That's amazing. I'm so proud of you, Emma," he beams. "Maybe I can see it when we're done here?"

"Maybe," I tease. "Depends on how good you are."

Ares leans in, his lips brushing against my ear. "Oh, I'll be very good, babygirl."

My cheeks flush, and my heart rate quickens. I can't wait for this party to be over so I can have some time alone with Ares.